Business owners have largely locked up shop, while area police have erected concrete barriers around the government buildings, all in anticipation of violence that could come from the grand jury decision in the Aug. 9 slaying of unarmed black teen Michael Brown.
“We look abandoned here, pretty much imprisoned,” said business owner Triondus Sleet, ABC News reported. “It’s sad.”
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, attempted to project an image of calm in the hours before the announcement was made public.
He tweeted a picture of himself at the counter, with the caption: “Stopped by the Ferguson Burger Bar. Great small biz committed to this community.”
Later he added: “Ferguson Burger Bar is open for biz & full of customers 2day. Our Small Business Loan Program is helping them thrive.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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